ADLINK MXC-6300 Fanless Embedded Industrial Control Computer Deployment Guide

Wiring key:

DO output is low side drive (current injection): one end of the load is connected to the positive pole of the external power supply, and the other end is connected to DOn; When the DO output is low, the MOSFET conducts and the current passes through the load → DOn → ground.

VDD must be connected to an external positive power source (the same power source as the DO load), otherwise the freewheeling diode is ineffective and may break down the MOSFET.

The manual provides detailed DO application circuits (Figure 1-12), and it is strongly recommended to refer to them for execution.

3.2.3 Isolated 5V power output

The VHDCI connector also provides an isolated 5V DC power supply (+V5DIO_CN_ISO) with a maximum output current of 180mA, which can directly power external sensors or low-power devices without the need for additional power modules.

3.2.4 DIO software programming

The DI/O driver of MXC-6300 is based on PCMe-1432 and provides a complete Windows API (see Appendix E):

DI_SeadPort(): Read 16 DI statuses at once

DO_TritePort(): Write 16 DOs at once

DI_SeadLine()/DOWriteLine(): Single channel read-write

Interrupt support: DIO-INT_Event_Sessage() and DIO_SetDualInterrupt() can trigger interrupts when DI status changes, suitable for real-time response scenarios.

3.3 Display and Serial Port

Three independent displays: two DisplayPorts (DP1 maximum 2560 x) 1600@60Hz ， DP2 maximum 1920 × 1200)+one DVI-I (maximum 1920 × 1200), supporting VGA (via DVI-I) and LVDS (internal interface). Third generation processors are required to support tri graphics.

Serial port: COM1/COM2 can switch between RS-232/422/485 modes in BIOS. RS-485 supports automatic flow control (hardware control) and is suitable for long-distance multi station communication.

Internal installation practice

4.1 Disassembling the top cover (basic operation)

Loosen the two hand screws on the front panel and slide the top cover backwards to remove it. The first step in all internal operations.

4.2 2.5-inch hard drive/SSD installation (key steps)

Remove the HDD bracket (4 screws in total: 2 at the top and 2 at the bottom).

Use the included 8 M3 screws to secure 1-2 2.5-inch SATA hard drives onto the bracket (with SATA 2 in the upper slot and SATA 1 in the lower slot).

Align the bracket with the SATA connector on the motherboard and gently press it vertically downwards to ensure complete insertion.

Reverse the screw installation.

RAID precautions: To enable RAID 0/1, it is recommended to have two hard drives of the same model and capacity. Please refer to Appendix C.

4.3 PCI/PCIe Card Installation

After removing the top cover, insert the expansion card into the corresponding slot (be cautious).

Use the included Card Brace to adjust the position and lock it to prevent vibration loosening.

Expansion slot configuration strategy (recommended in the manual):

Option A: 1 x PCI card+1 x PCIe x16 (x8 slot left blank)

Option B: 1 x PCI card+1 x PCIe x8 (x8 slot)+1 x PCIe x8 (x16 slot running at x8 speed)

Other configurations are not recommended as they may cause signal integrity issues.

4.4 CFast card installation (one inside and one outside)

External CFast: The front panel has a dust cover, which can be directly inserted (supports hot plugging? The manual is not clear, it is recommended to shut down the device).

Internal CFast: Open the top cover, align it with the internal CFast socket, and then install two spacer supports to prevent vibration and detachment.

4.5 Wall mounted installation

Using the included wall bracket and M4 screws, remove the 4 plastic foot pads at the bottom, secure the bracket to both sides of the body, and then fix it to the wall through the holes on the bracket.

Watchdog Timer - Unmanned 'Lifeline'

MXC-6300 provides a hardware watchdog (based on LPC IO ITE8783) that can automatically reset in case of system deadlock.

5.1 API Interface (Windows)

InitWDT(): Initialization

SetWDT (BYTE tick, BYTE unit): Set timeout value (tick=1~255, unit=0 seconds/1 minute)

StartWDT(): Start timing

ResetWDT(): Feed the dog (reset timer)

StopWDT(): Stop

Typical usage: ResetWDT() is periodically called in the main loop, with intervals ranging from 1/3 to 1/2 of the timeout value.

5.2 Linux/DOS Register Level Programming

The manual provides a complete C code example (Appendix D.2) to directly operate the ITE8783 register through the LPC IO port (0x2E/0x2F):

Enter configuration mode: Write 0x87, 0x01, 0x55, 0x55

Enable keyboard interrupt reset (optional)

Set timeout unit (seconds/minute)

Write timeout value (auto start)

Exit configuration mode

LED indication: The yellow WD LED on the front panel flashes when the timer starts and stays on after timeout, visually indicating the system status.

Practical RAID Configuration

The QM77 chipset supports Intel Rapid Storage Technology, providing RAID 0 (stripe, performance) and RAID 1 (mirroring, protection).

6.1 BIOS Enable RAID

Enter BIOS → Advanced → SATA Configuration.

Set SATA Mode Selection to RAID Mode.

Save and restart.

6.2 Creating RAID Volumes

During the POST process, press Ctrl+I to enter the Intel Matrix Storage Manager.

Select 'Create RAID Volume'.

Set volume name, RAID level (0 or 1), stripe size (RAID 0), etc.